Unlock the Power of Teaching: Exploring the Inner World of a Teacher's Life

bobbiej: I’m slightly disappointed as I was hoping for an inspirational, uplifting book to read to kick off a new school year. I found this book difficult to read, and in fact, I didn’t even finish it. It was not at all what I expected from the many good reviews it received.

United States on Jul 28, 2023

Trend setter: I’m enjoying “The Courage to Teach.” It arrived on time and in great condition.

United States on May 29, 2023

Dee Dimmick: Parker Palmer captures the essence of learning.

Australia on Oct 08, 2022

Kevin M. Plummer: Thank you Parker for the journey and putting words to paper that many feel. Inspiration is ignited and confirmation of the effort is renewed!

United States on Aug 08, 2022

john Lawson: This is a superb reflection on the nature of teaching at any level. I cannot understand anyone who regards his insights as old-fashioned and not relevant to the classrooms of today. He focuses on the parts of teaching that never change. Any teacher who doesn't regard what they teach as "sacred" or of the utmost importance will never get students excited about learning. That's the secret to Sir David Attenborough, one of the nation's finest teachers. His excitement draws me into his world no matter where he takes me. I would make this a compulsory read for every trainee or ECT. The key to authority, he argues, lies in the root of that word 'author' - I would have paid the cover price for that insight alone. There are plenty more where that insight came from. Enjoy and learn.

United Kingdom on May 05, 2022

David yip: I like this book a lot with its deep insights.

Canada on Jan 19, 2022

Ravi V.: This book is a gem for anyone who is serious about teaching.

India on Apr 03, 2019

Christina C: Love this book. My graduate nursing professor and now-mentor often quoted Palmer during my studies. This book really resonates with me and I now quote Palmer’s ideas on the integrity and identity of the educator, the heart of the educator, and the courage to teach as a Masters-prepared Nurse Educator.

I’m gifting this book to my son’s third grade teacher for Christmas this year as I appreciate her courage, compassion, integrity, and dedication in teaching my little one so much; I figure it’s better than another box of chocolates or “best teacher” mug:)

Canada on Nov 17, 2018

Mike: By this book!! It is best for the serious teacher, who is not afraid to look inside and understand what they bring to the classroom as a person. This is by far the best book on teaching I have ever read. I have been teaching at the college level for 42 years.

One of my favorite passages from the book: "Kindergarten teachers often understand the craft better than those of us with PhDs, perhaps because students in the "lower" grades are like the child in "The Emperor's New Clothes." They do not care what graduate school you attended, who chaired your dissertation committee, or how many books you hare written, but they quickly sense whether you are real, and they respond accordingly. The discerning innocence of young children deepens my conviction that at every level of education, the selfhood of teachers is key."

United States on Mar 22, 2018

J Skeen: We need more stars to choose for this book. It was a homerun when it was written and the new foreword grounds it in the world we are living in today. This is a book for teachers to be sure, but this is also a book for anyone wondering if it's possible for humans to be transformed over time to become our better selves in the world we are making. Teaching is an unsung remarkable work- or unsung at least until Palmer identified 20 years ago how deeply teachers can effect life changing possibilities for students of all ages. And now, this work continues to shine a light on how the core of a teacher is fueled and refueled by doing the important work of authenticity building and creating trustworthy space for students to encounter their own truest selves. Do you believe you can learn? This book is for you, and while you're at it, pick up any one of the other titles by this author- your tomorrows can be different than you todays, slowly incrementally and with some laughter and great stories thrown in.

United States on Feb 24, 2018